(1861) White Metal Medal Julian PR-12, Abraham Lincoln Inaugural

Coin Details

Description

White metal inaugural medal restruck post-1886 by the U.S. Mint from original dies, commemorating the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th President of the United States on March 4, 1861. Catalogued by Julian as PR-12. The medal was designed (or re-engraved for the restrike) by George T. Morgan, who joined the Philadelphia Mint as Assistant Engraver in 1876 and served as Chief Engraver from 1917 to 1925. At approximately 76–77mm in diameter, this is one of the largest medals in the Julian presidential inaugural series, providing an imposing format for the portrait of the 16th President. Lincoln's assassination in April 1865 and his enduring historical legacy made the inaugural medal a particularly sought-after collector item, prompting the Mint to produce restrikes in the late 19th century for sale to collectors and institutions. White metal examples are among the most commonly encountered; bronze examples also exist.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The post-1886 Morgan restrike of the Lincoln inaugural medal in white metal represents the Mint's effort to make the presidential inaugural medal tradition accessible to a wider audience. The large 76–77mm format is impressive among presidential medals. Survivors in clean original condition with well-struck portraiture are desirable in both Lincoln memorabilia and presidential medal collecting.

Cross References

Julian PR-12